Russia-Ukraine War - News and Developments PART 2

[Soldier35]

The first real North Korean 170-mm M1989 Koksan self-propelled guns were recorded by eyewitnesses on one of the military trains in Russia. There is little information about the M-1989 Koksan self-propelled guns; they were created in the 1970s on the chassis of T-54, T-62 or Type 59 tanks. With a 170-mm gun, more than 58 calibers long, the M1989 DPRK self-propelled gun can fire shells at a range of up to 40 km, and active-rocket projectiles at a range of up to 60 km.

 

[JeremyVickers]

A Ukrainian Mi-8 helicopter shooting down a Russian Shahed UAV reflects the ongoing intensity of the drone warfare within the broader Russia-Ukraine conflict. While Shahed drones are Iranian-made loitering munitions often used by Russia, Ukraine’s use of Mi-8 helicopters for aerial interception is notable.

Key Points:​

1. Mi-8 Helicopter Role:
   • The Mi-8 is typically a transport and utility helicopter, but it can be equipped with air-to-ground and air-to-air weapons such as machine guns, rocket pods, and sometimes MANPADS (man-portable air-defense systems) used for intercepting aerial threats.
   • The interception of a Shahed UAV by an Mi-8 may indicate ad-hoc adaptations by Ukrainian forces to counter drone swarms, highlighting their creativity and flexibility on the battlefield.
2. Shahed UAVs:
   • These drones, produced in Iran and supplied to Russia, are used as kamikaze drones to strike critical Ukrainian infrastructure.
   • Typically, Shaheds are countered by anti-aircraft missile systems (like NASAMS, IRIS-T, and Gepard guns), but in this case, a Mi-8 helicopter may have been tasked with hunting down drones as an airborne interceptor.
3. Tactical and Strategic Significance:
   • The use of Mi-8s to hunt drones could reflect a new aerial defense strategy in Ukraine, where helicopters are more mobile than ground-based systems.
   • This also signals how Russia's reliance on Shaheds has forced Ukraine to adopt multi-layered air defense strategies.
   • If successful, this tactic might encourage Ukraine to more widely employ helicopters in drone interception roles, potentially setting a precedent for rotary-wing counter-drone warfare.

If you'd like, I can find more updates or provide a deeper analysis of how this incident fits into the wider conflict.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1869628769583145178

 

[Akbar26]

On the morning of December 20, 2024, Russia launched a series of ballistic missile attacks targeting Kyiv, resulting in multiple explosions and reports of damage across the city. The attacks began around 7 a.m. local time, prompting immediate responses from Ukrainian air defense systems.

Key Details of the Attack​

1. Explosions Reported:
   • Eyewitnesses reported hearing a succession of loud detonations throughout Kyiv, with smoke visible rising from various locations. The explosions were concentrated in several districts, including Holosiivskyi, Solomianskyi, and Shevchenkivskyi.
2. Damage and Casualties:
   • According to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, at least two people were injured as a result of the missile strikes. Additionally, five cars were reported on fire due to falling debris in the Holosiivskyi district, and an unfinished building sustained damage in the Dnipro district.
3. Air Defense Activation:
   • The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed that air defense systems were activated in response to the incoming missiles. Prior to the attack, they had issued warnings about a Russian MiG-31 fighter jet taking off, capable of launching hypersonic Kinzhal missiles.
4. Context of Ongoing Conflict:
   • This missile strike is part of a broader pattern of increased Russian aggression against Ukraine, particularly targeting infrastructure and civilian areas. The attacks come amidst ongoing tensions related to previous military operations and political developments in the region.
5. International Reactions:
   • The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with calls for accountability regarding Russia's military actions in Ukraine. There is growing concern over the humanitarian impact of such attacks on civilian populations.

Conclusion​

The missile attacks on Kyiv mark another escalation in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, highlighting the persistent threat to urban centers and civilian safety. As investigations into the damage and casualties continue, the situation underscores the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to address the conflict and prevent further violence against civilians. The resilience of Ukraine's air defense systems will also be critical in mitigating future attacks as tensions remain high in the region.

 

[Akbar26]

Kyiv was rocked by a Russian ballistic missile attack that resulted in significant destruction and casualties. Reports indicate that at least one person has been killedand several others injured as explosions were heard across multiple districts of the Ukrainian capital.

Key Details of the Attack​

1. Timing and Location:
   • The missile strikes occurred around 7 a.m. local time, with residents reporting a series of loud explosions. The hardest-hit areas include the Holosiivskyi, Solomianskyi, Shevchenkivskyi, and Dniprovskyi districts, where debris from the missiles caused fires and damage to buildings and vehicles.
2. Casualties and Damage:
   • Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that at least one fatality has been reported, along with injuries to nine individuals, with two people hospitalized. The attacks caused fires on rooftops, damaged gas pipelines, and set multiple vehicles ablaze in the Holosiivskyi district.
3. Response from Authorities:
   • Ukrainian air defense systems were activated in response to the incoming missiles. The Ukrainian Air Force had previously issued warnings about a potential attack, noting that a Russian MiG-31 fighter jet capable of launching Kinzhal hypersonic missiles had taken off shortly before the strikes.
4. Context of the Attack:
   • This assault follows a pattern of increased military engagement between Russia and Ukraine, with Moscow claiming that the strike was retaliation for a recent Ukrainian missile attack on Russian territory. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that their missile strike targeted key military infrastructure in Ukraine.
5. International Reactions:
   • The attack has drawn condemnation from various international leaders and organizations, highlighting ongoing concerns about civilian safety amid the conflict. As the situation develops, there are calls for renewed diplomatic efforts to address the humanitarian crisis resulting from such military actions.

Conclusion​

The missile attack on Kyiv underscores the persistent threat posed by ongoing hostilities between Russia and Ukraine, impacting civilian lives and infrastructure. As investigations into the damage continue, the resilience of Ukraine's air defense systems will be crucial in mitigating future threats. This incident further emphasizes the urgent need for international dialogue aimed at de-escalating tensions and protecting civilians caught in the crossfire of this prolonged conflict.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1869991159092690968

 

[AbdulQadir7]

Early on December 20, 2024, Kyiv experienced a series of powerful explosions as Russian ballistic missiles targeted the Ukrainian capital. The attacks resulted in significant damage across multiple districts, including Holosiivskyi, Solomianskyi, Shevchenkivskyi, and Dnipro, with reports of fires igniting due to debris from the missiles.

Key Details of the Missile Attack​

1. Casualties and Damage:
   • At least one person has been confirmed dead, and several others have been injured, with reports indicating that up to nine individuals were hospitalized. The missile strikes caused extensive damage to buildings, vehicles, and infrastructure, disrupting heating services for over 630 residential units, 16 healthcare facilities, and 30 educational institutions.
2. Air Defense Response:
   • The Ukrainian Air Force had issued warnings prior to the attack, tracking a MiG-31 fighter jet capable of launching hypersonic missiles. Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that air defense systems were activated over the city, successfully intercepting some incoming missiles.
3. Nature of the Attacks:
   • Eyewitness accounts reported hearing multiple loud explosions around 7 a.m. local time. Falling debris from the intercepted missiles caused fires in various districts, particularly in Holosiivskyi, where several vehicles were reported ablaze.
4. Context of the Attack:
   • This missile strike is characterized as a retaliation by Moscow for a recent Ukrainian attack on Russian territory using Western-supplied weaponry. The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that their strikes targeted military infrastructure in response to the use of American-made missiles by Ukraine.
5. International Reactions:
   • The attack has drawn condemnation from various international leaders and organizations, emphasizing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and calling for increased support for Ukrainian defense capabilities.

Conclusion​

The missile attacks on Kyiv highlight the ongoing volatility of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with significant implications for civilian safety and infrastructure. As investigations into the damage continue and recovery efforts are initiated, the resilience of Kyiv's air defense systems will be critical in mitigating future threats. The situation underscores the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to address the escalating violence and protect civilians caught in the crossfire of this prolonged conflict.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1869996365159227868